Fred Perry was the last British player to lift the trophy, seventy seven years ago.
Since then, UK tennis had failed to follow up Perry's achievement.
For around seventy of those years, they didn't even get that close.
I grew up in awe of players such as Borg, McEnroe, Connors and Lendl.
The top players were so far ahead of anybody British, it was inconceivable that we would get to see anyone from these shores challenging for a Major title.
The top players were so far ahead of anybody British, it was inconceivable that we would get to see anyone from these shores challenging for a Major title.
In my youth, British players were generally considered massive over achievers if they made it beyond their first game on those well kept lawns at SW19.
Other than Virginia Wade, (who managed to grab the Ladies title in the Queen's Silver Jubilee year of 1977), British success at Wimbledon was a pipe dream.
Other than Virginia Wade, (who managed to grab the Ladies title in the Queen's Silver Jubilee year of 1977), British success at Wimbledon was a pipe dream.
We've certainly left the days of Buster Mottram and his ilk, a long way behind.
Well done Andy.
Scottish and British hero.
2 comments:
Scottish only apparently
I blogged this in 2006 when Murray was 19- was nice to be right about something for once :-)
However as the career of our finest post-War player ends, the career of Andy Murray has just begun and based upon what I have seen he could well be basically anything he wants to be; his shot-making abilities are phenomenal. Once his new coach Brad Gilbert knocks him into shape physically, I have every confidence he will be going head-to-head with the very best for the next decade. He also has that arrogant streak which may not endear him to everybody, but which is often the trait of a winner.
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